52 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project| Landscape and Visual Effects | 8.3.2 Vegetation The footprint of the proposed NRS comprises a combination of working farmland, watercourses supporting riparian planting and small wetland areas adjoining areas previously disturbed by mining activity. In this context, the proposed NRS and temporary stockpiles will remove existing shelter belts, divert existing watercourses and associated riparian planting and occupy productive rural land cover to expand mining activity. During operation, there will be the permanent loss of voluntarily planted riparian vegetation which follows tributaries of the Ohinemuri River. An adjoining area of SNA vegetation located to the east of the proposed NRS (SNA T13UP166) will remain intact. Prior to construction, riparian vegetation will be re-established along stream diversions and the margins of the Ohinemuri River. At completion, temporary stockpiles will be removed and the final form of the NRS will be re-established in pasture and low shrub planting to remedy the potential for any long-term adverse vegetation effects. 8.3.3 Landscape Character Effects The proposed NRS will remain contained within the Martha Mineral Zone and resemble part of the larger sequence of rounded landforms to the east of Waihi along the foothills of the Coromandel Ranges. Impacts of mining activity have already been established in this context and will continue to influence the character of this landscape in a manner which remains relatively well contained. Prior to implementation, riparian and terrestrial vegetation will be re-established and enhanced along the perimeter of the NRS and adjoining water courses and assist with assimilating the additional form of the NRS within this modified area of working rural landscape. During operation, the creation of the NRS will occur gradually in the context of the enclosing forms of temporary stockpiles and existing rounded hill forms rather than quickly and dramatically. Rock within the NRS will be reused during operation and at closure. Any unused rock will be smoothed, capped and covered with topsoil material re-established in pasture or low-level shrubs. The nature of such activity will ensure any perceived disruption to existing rural land use will be mitigated at completion albeit in a different shape. Rural land use and the associated rural character along Golden Valley Road will remain apparent and continue in association with a modified final landform. 8.3.4 Landscape Effects Assessment An assessment of the level and nature of landscape effects associated with the NRS are set out below: Contributing factors Implementation46 Operation47 Residual48 Level of Effect49 Nature of Effect50 Level of Effect Nature of Effect Level of Effect Nature of Effect Landform Effects • Landform modification occurs in context of established mining activity Moderate Adverse Moderate Adverse Low Neutral 46 Effects during implementation before mitigation 47 Effects during operation with mitigation 48 Residual Effects at completion 49 Level of Effect assessed as: Very High, High, Moderate-High, Moderate, Moderate-Low, Low, Very Low 50 Nature of Effect assessed as: Adverse, Neutral or Beneficial
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